REAL ID Rollout at LAX Begins Smoothly With Most Travelers Compliant

The REAL ID rollout at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) began smoothly on May 7, with no significant disruptions at security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) used banners and signs to remind passengers of the new ID requirements. Most travelers showed either a REAL ID or a passport and cleared security without issue. TSA officials held a press conference at LAX, urging passengers to be aware of valid identification rules.

TSA clarified that passengers without a REAL ID must present an alternative, federally approved ID to avoid additional screening. This guidance followed comments from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on May 6, who stated that domestic travelers without a REAL ID or passport would need to complete extra identity verification before boarding.

According to TSA, acceptable alternatives to a REAL ID include a passport or passport card, permanent resident card, employment authorization document (EAD, I-776), Global Entry card, border crossing card, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Department of Defense-issued ID, Canadian driver’s license, and foreign passport.

TSA also noted that travelers under 18 are not required to show identification for domestic flights. Parents traveling with minors only need to follow airline-specific guidelines.

Jason Pantages, TSA’s LAX federal security director, said, “As of April 11, 2025, 81% of LAX travelers already had a REAL ID. We don’t expect major disruptions due to the full rollout.”

At LAX’s Terminal 7, where the press conference took place, operations remained orderly. Most passengers in line displayed their REAL IDs and proceeded through security smoothly.

Some travelers without a REAL ID were also able to board. Kevin Conover, flying domestically to Colorado, used his passport to clear security. “It’s not a big inconvenience since I can use my passport or another ID,” he said. “But carrying a passport all the time feels risky, so I plan to apply for a REAL ID soon.”

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reported that as of May 1, 19,485,231 Californians had been issued a REAL ID. To accommodate applicants, the DMV has set up special REAL ID counters at 18 offices, open weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 7 to 8 a.m. through June 27. Some locations also operate on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Applicants can create an online account at REALID.dmv.ca.gov to upload the required documents or apply in person at DMV offices.

BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]